Best Places to Visit for Canal Boat Holidays​

Looking for the perfect destination for your next canal boat holiday? Whether you're keen to explore the picturesque Welsh countryside, enjoy a fun-filled family day at Cadbury World, or immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Edinburgh, our guide to the best locations for your narrowboat adventure has everything you need. Discover the top UK canals and the must-see attractions in each city, read on to plan your unforgettable journey today! 

Locations to visit for your next canal boat holiday

1. Llangollen, Wales  

Want to escape to the beautiful Welsh countryside? Llangollen offers the opportunity to do just that – with the pull of a small town to capture your heart simultaneously. Explore quaint pubs and countryside restaurants, all a stone’s throw away from the town. 

Explore the world’s tallest Pontcysyllte aqueduct, which is 1,007ft (307m) long and 126ft (38m) above the river. It was designed in the 19th century and has stunning views from the top!  

Horseshoe Falls, situated just outside of the Llangollen Canal route stop off, is a weir on the River Dee which is perfect for admiring the stunning views of the Welsh countryside. If you enjoy a walk, the mile and a half walking route is an easy way to explore the local landmarks and surrounding wildlife. Visit Llangollen on our Llangollen and return route. 

Browsing for more of the best canals in the UK for your next trip? Whether you’re searching for scenic canal routes, canal routes for beginners or the best family narrowboat holidays, ABC Boat Hire has you covered. Get in touch with a member of our expert team today for more information on the best canals in the UK. 

2. Edinburgh, Scotland  

Home to the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh has a lot to offer – and is a great canal boat holiday location to visit. Whether it’s exploring the history of the castle or taking on the hilly walk up to Arthur’s Seat, the city is full of life and ideal for couples, big groups or families to explore. 

JK Rowling also has hinted that her inspiration for the Harry Potter books comes from this iconic city. Such as The Elephant House, where she is said to have written parts of the novel. Diagon Alley is also said to be influenced by the iconic Victoria Street in the heart of the city centre. Edinburgh can be reached on our Falkirk and return canal route. 

3. Chester, Cheshire  

What better place to stop off than somewhere that can cater to animal lovers, historians and lovers of the picturesque countryside, all in one city? Chester is a fantastic place to visit, and one of the most famous canals in the UK for action-packed adventure for the whole family. 

• Cheshire Plains – a countryside wonderland, explore the flat lowland of the Cheshire Plains, taking in dramatic scenery, perfect for long walks or even hiring bikes 
• Chester Zoo – discover exotic wildlife, meet friendly animals and educate the whole family on nature, endangered species and animals’ natural habitats
• Chester Castle – the iconic Chester Castle is located within the old city walls – a perfect day out for educating the little ones

Not only this, but you’ll be able to discover a wealth of Roman history along the way. All of these exciting things to do in Chester are easily accessible while cruising along our Chester and return canal route.

4. Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire  

Incapsulating culture in the heart of a bustling city centre, Stratford is the home to Shakespeare, and the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company (RSC). Take a trip to the RSC and journey back in time with one of Shakespeare’s classic plays. And if you still haven’t got your culture and history fix, visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare himself – his house perfectly preserved in one of the quaint streets of Stratford-upon-Avon. 

Alternatively, explore the city centre which boasts a wide number of charismatic pubs and restaurants, alongside a plethora of popular shops to browse. Stratford-upon-Avon can be reached from our Stratford and return canal route. 

5. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire 

March Marina is an ideal destination for a relaxing canal boat holiday. Located in the heart of The Fens, it offers routes through Middle Level Navigations, with beautiful views of the flatlands. Explore the historic town of Huntingdon, known for its charming streets, or head to Cambridge, home to its prestigious university and world-class museums. With plenty of locks to navigate and easy access to local attractions, March Marina is perfect for those seeking tranquillity and culture on their canal boat journey. 

Plan Your Ideal Canal Boat Holiday Today 

Whether you're seeking the serene beauty of the Welsh countryside, the vibrant cultural hubs of Edinburgh, or the historic charm of Stratford-upon-Avon, the UK offers a wealth of incredible destinations for your next canal boat holiday. From Llangollen to March Marina, each route provides unique experiences, whether you're looking to explore ancient landmarks, enjoy scenic views, or immerse yourself in local culture.  

With so many amazing locations to choose from, now is the perfect time to plan your canal adventure. Start planning your unforgettable journey today with ABC Boat Hire and discover the best of the UK by water.